Bundesliga Striker Responds to Arsenal Rumours

Mainz striker Adam Szalai has dismissed reports linking him with a move to Arsenal in January and claims he expects to remain in Germany.

The Gunners were understood to be interested in landing the Hungary international, with Arsene Wenger keen to bolster his attacking options after his side managed just two goals from three Premier League matches this year, leading to consecutive defeats.

However, Szalai, who has a £12.5m price-tag, has now played down speculation surrounding him and revealed there have not been any negotiations between the two clubs.

"There hasn't been any connection made with the clubs who have been reported in the press, so I don't have to think about being an Arsenal striker. It's improbable that I'll go anywhere in the winter transfer window and that €15m (£12.5m) will be paid for me," the 25-year-old told Sky Sports.

Szalai has scored nine Bundesliga goals this season, attracting attention from the likes of Borussia Dortmund, Wolfsburg and Lazio. His current contract with Mainz runs till the summer of 2015.

Arsenal Ready to Wait for Villa

Meanwhile, Arsenal are reportedly ready to wait till the end of the transfer window before making an approach for top target and Barcelona forward David Villa.

The Spain international was heavily linked with a move to the Gunners in this window but the north London side were put off by the public rebuttals made by some of the Camp Nou chiefs, including manager Tito Vilanova and club president Sandro Rosell. However, despite these claims, Villa is understood to have requested a transfer away from Barcelona, due to his failure to earn a regular spot in the club's first team.

Following this development, Wenger is now ready to wait till the last 48 hours of the January window before tabling a £10m bid for the 31-year-old, reports The Sun. Villa, who missed much of last season after breaking his leg, has fallen down the pecking order at the club and has managed just 11 starts this season.